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9 other Irish internationals who could do with a move this summer

Could these players follow suit after James McClean’s move to West Brom was confirmed yesterday?

Anthony Stokes

Soccer - UEFA Champions League - Qualifying - Play Off - Second Leg - Celtic v Maribor - Celtic Park Jeff Holmes Jeff Holmes

THE DUBLINER STRUGGLED to earn a starting place at Celtic at times last season and recent rumours have suggested the Scottish club could cash in on the €2.8 million-rated player, as Colorado Rapids and Leeds United have been recently linked with the former Sunderland striker.

Stephen Ward

Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Arsenal v Burnley - Emirates Stadium EMPICS Sport EMPICS Sport

The ex-Bohs player made just seven league starts for Burnley last season amid an injury-ravaged campaign, and consequently, the left-back may have to look elsewhere in search of more regular first-team football.

Robbie Brady

Soccer - International Friendly - Republic of Ireland v USA - Aviva Stadium PA Archive / Press Association Images PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

The 23-year-old impressed during Ireland’s recent Euro 2016 qualifier with Scotland, producing a number of dangerous set-piece deliveries, and he’s rumoured to be attracting the interest of Aston Villa following Hull’s relegation from the Premier League.

Paul McShane

Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Hull City v Manchester United - KC Stadium Richard Sellers Richard Sellers

Despite some decent performances at the end of the season, the Wicklow native was released by Hull in the aftermath of their relegation. Transfer news in relation to McShane has been relatively quiet since then, although he hasn’t kept an entirely low profile of late.

Jeff Hendrick

Soccer - Sky Bet Championship - Derby County v Charlton Athletic - iPro Stadium Nigel French Nigel French

The midfielder is considered one of the most promising prospects in Irish football, though probably needs to be playing at a higher level than the Championship in order to fulfil his potential. Celtic have been linked with the 23-year-old, while a reunion with old boss Steve McClaren at Newcastle is not beyond the realms of possibility either.

Darron Gibson

Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Sunderland v Everton - Stadium of Light Richard Sellers Richard Sellers

More injury problems meant it was another frustrating season for Darron Gibson at Everton. The player rarely started for the Blues in 2014-15, though the club are still understood to be considering handing the former Man United player a new contract despite his persistent troubles. That said, with Tom Cleverley set to join Everton this summer, and James McCarthy as well as Gareth Barry already ahead of him in the midfield pecking order, Gibson may be best advised to try his luck elsewhere.

David Forde

Soccer - Sky Bet Championship - Blackburn Rovers v Millwall - Ewood Park PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Millwall goalkeeper Forde will surely want to avoid League One if he is to retain a realistic hope of winning back the Ireland number one jersey, and Stoke, Nottingham Forest and Reading are all reportedly considering offering the 35-year-old an escape route from The Den. The Lions’ signing of 22-year-old Tottenham keeper Jordan Archer also indicates the Galway native could be nearing an exit from the club.

Stephen Quinn

Soccer - FA Cup - Third Round - Arsenal v Hull City - The Emirates Stadium Daniel Hambury Daniel Hambury

Hull are understood to have offered Quinn a new two-year contract to stay at the club despite their relegation, however Reading are still hopeful of landing the 29-year-old ex-Pat’s player.

Daryl Murphy

Soccer - Sky Bet League Championship - Fulham v Ipswich Town - Craven Cottage Scott Heavey Scott Heavey

The striker, who had a prolific season with Ipswich, and impressed on his surprise start for Ireland against Scotland recently, has been linked with a number of clubs, including West Brom, Stoke and Leicester. No doubt they will be hoping he can emulate the likes of Charlie Austin and Danny Ings, who managed to take their good Championship form into the Premier League last season.

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